The Break Presents: Gist The Essence

Get familiar with Gist The Essence, who plans to follow in the footsteps of all the legendary Queens MCs that came before him.

Standout: "La La La"

Also check out: "Roller Coaster" ft. Cocoa Sarai

And: "Young, Gifted, & Black"

Name: Gist The Essence

Hometown: Queens Village, Queens NY

I grew up listening to: All kinds of music was played around my house, but of course Hip Hop is what got me. A whole lot of Nas. I’m from Queens, so he was like dopest rapper ever to me. I listened to Jay and a lot of other dope artists of the times. Next to them, I listened to a lot of T.I, and Kanye. I think they might have been the biggest motivating factor in making music for me. I think they both by far have the greatest song structures and carry out themes and topics in songs better than most.

Most people don't know I: Went to Rutgers University and studied Criminal Justice with hopes of becoming a lawyer. I wanted to learn the system to try to help my people. I got my Bachelors but clearly I let go of that lawyer dream. It was mostly just to please my parents though.

My style has been compared to: Dope rappers that I respect and am honored to be likened too. I’ve heard Nas and Kanye. I’ve heard Wale and Cole. I’ve heard a lot of people over the years. It just depends on who hears it and what song they are hearing. I used to get upset, but I realize people gonna do it regardless and it's better to be compared to dope artists than some wack rapper, and I haven’t heard that so that’s a win!

My standout records and moments to date have been: My last record "Roller Coaster," which got me on MTV RapFix with Sway and eventually on tour with XXL Freshman alum, Fred The Godson for a few cities. I was blessed to do two mixtapes with DJ Envy. My first video "Young, Gifted & Black" has close to 600,000 views on YouTube. But I think this new record, "La La La" is opening a lot of new doors. Being featured here is proof, and I’m honored and thankful!

My goal in Hip-Hop is: Longevity! I don't want to be one of those here today, gone tomorrow artists. I want to connect with people today and 10 years from now. Of course I want to be paid, but I’m more interested in lasting. And I think when the listeners feel you and can relate to what you are saying in your songs, you're gonna be here for a minute.

I'm gonna be the next: Dope artist from Queens! My boro has a legacy in this game from Run DMC, LL, Tribe and Nas down to 50. When was the last time you heard a wack artist from Queens? I just want to the next one to carry on the legacy!

To check out more of my music: Follow me on Twitter @GistMusic